Paddy Compare News - Insurance Blog

Ireland is an expensive place to buy car insurance, with the typical driver paying €1067 according to the Irish Sun in November 2018; more expensive than UK counterparts. So it’s even more important to do all you can to save money on your premium. Paddy Compare investigates how.

1. Shop around at renewal

One of the largest savings available is simply by comparing prices at renewal time. Even if you don’t want to switch company, asking around for other quotes may help negotiate a better deal with your current insurance broker. Ensure you are comparing like-for-like in terms of the cover provided, and that your excess amounts are the same. Paddy Compare can help you do this with one simple quote form.

2. Make use of NCD and named driving experience

Some customers simply forget how many years no claims bonus they have, particularly if they have been off the road for a while or if they are switching insurance broker. Insurers use NCD evidence as a ‘report’ of your driving experience – if you’ve been a safe driver you will be awarded with lower premiums. Remember to tell your broker about any named driving experience, company car driving experience, or experience driving abroad. All of these may be used to help reduce your premiums.

3. Increase your excess

The excess is the amount you must pay to your insurance company in the event of you making a claim, to cover the costs of repair to your vehicle or for medical treatment. If you can afford to increase this, the insurance company will see you as less risk, and reward this with lower insurance premiums. However you must be able to pay the excess or risk being left without a vehicle if you happen to be involved in an accident. You don’t have to pay an excess if a third party is claiming against you, so this only applies to Comprehensive, Fire and Theft Claims.

4. Reduce your cover

If your car has seen better days and is destined for the scrap heap shortly, then do you really need fully comprehensive insurance? Your car may not be worth much, and it may be worth reducing your cover to insure against Third Party claims only. Always investigate both options, as sometimes comprehensive cover can cost less than third party only.

5. Add a named driver

Particularly if you are a less experienced driver, adding a more-experienced friend or family member to your policy can often reduce your premiums. This person does not have to be a regular driver if your vehicle but the fact that they are named may be seen as a positive by your insurer. Try getting quotes for one or two additional drivers and see how this affects the costs. This has a further advantage in that you can share the driving on long journeys; resulting in a safer and more pleasurable driving experience for everyone.

6. Check your occupation

Different occupations are seen as different risks, however many people undertake a job that could be described in many different ways. Are you an Engineer who manages construction projects? Try receiving a quote for an Engineer or a Project Manager. Are you in the medical profession? Instead of Nurse perhaps try Paramedic or Care Assistant. Are you at IT consultant? Try Data Processor or Computer Engineer instead. Are you a Civil Servant? Try using that rather than your specific title. Of course, remember that any job title you do use must be applicable to the role that you do, or your insurance may be invalid. The Money Saving Expert tool will help you explore different options for your occupation.

7. Get quotes at different times of the year

Insurance underwriting companies will publish new rates to their insurance brokers on a regular basis, often every month. If your insurance policy is due in the middle of July for example, try getting a quote towards the end of June, and then again at the beginning of July. Your first quote will usually remain valid for 30 days, so you can then chose the cheaper policy and buy that one.

Now that the summer is well and truly upon us, despite that the weather may suggest otherwise, many of our readers are likely making the most of the holiday period to visit their mobile home.

Static caravan insurance is not usually mandatory (although it may be part of the terms and conditions on your site), but it can provide peace of mind against fire, flood and accidental damage. If you rent your caravan out to others, you may also require public liability insurance in case one of your guests is injured.

Paddy Compare is pleased to now be offering static caravan insurance from local insurance brokers. See if you can beat the price offered through your caravan site, or from your existing provider. Try Paddy Compare today for a cheap quote.

As 2018 draws to a close, Paddy Compare would like to wish all our customers a great Christmas and Happy New Year. We would also like to thank all of our insurance brokers for their great service throughout the year, and look forward to a happy and successful 2019.

2019 is set to be an interesting year with the impending Brexit, further advances in mobile technology and positivity in the construction sector.

In his 2019 Budget, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe referred to the country as “a modern and caring Ireland that aims to be at the centre of a changing world.”

Black Friday is here!! What can we expect in 2018? Well even more discounts. With over 90% of retailers offering big deals, now is the time to buy Christmas presents and get the latest tech at prices we all can afford. For more information on who’s in, what’s hot and product offerings, check out our Best Black Friday Deals in Ireland 2018 summary here.

With Black Friday fast approaching and many of the retailers advertising the first of their discounts already, now is the time to act. Black Friday or Black Friday week is a great opportunity for you to save on Christmas gifts, electrical appliances, latest tech and homeware. Paddy has came up with the top ten tips to help you find the best Black Friday deals in Ireland in 2018. Click here for our top ten tips and start saving now.

A recent report by AA Ireland has hit out at the Government, accusing ministers of turning a blind eye to the ever increasing car insurance premiums across the Isle. Just when we thought prices couldn’t go up anymore…. the Central Statistics Office reported average rises of 70pc over a 3 year period, the average premium now stands at a whopping 750 euro. With no change in legislation or reform to the sector, the average Joe continues to take the hit, and worse yet, the Government have turned their attention to Brexit and housing. Whilst the large players continue to thrive and hold all the customer information, things need to change. AA Ireland has set about lobbying the Government on five key reforms in an effort to drive costs down. Will it work, only time will tell! In the meantime, get car insurance quotes at Paddy Compare to see how much you could save today. You can get quotes from a range of local and specialist brokers in just minutes.

Good news for farmers this week, as word on the paddock is that Axa Insurance plans to take on the farm insurance market in Ireland. At present FBD insurance are the main players in the market, offering healthy discounts for Irish Farmer Association members. Axa are well established across Ireland, with over 50 branches and cover a full range of insurance products. They have recently started recruiting for a dedicated farm insurance team, and are potentially set to employ some former specialists from FBD. Whilst details are still in the early stages, an AXA spokesperson suggested to expect movement in the first half of 2018. By completing our farm insurance quote form at Paddy Compare, our specialist brokers will contact you with tailored quotes that could help you save. So why not give it a try now, it’s free and easy to use.

The past four months have been a stressful time for Donegal residents following efforts to restore homes after devastating floods in August.

63% of the average monthly rain fell in just nine hours in Inishowen, destroying bridges, vehicles, business and homes. Residents have been rebuilding their livelihoods following negotiations with insurance companies, and where complete re-builds have been required, seeking planning permission also.

Insurance can be a stressful matter, but when it comes to property, the most important thing is to have adequate cover for your buildings and contents, so that in the event of flooding or other event, you are covered.

Buildings insurance will cover the structure of your home in the event of fire, flood, subsidence, theft and falling trees. Contents insurance will protect your belongings against theft, fire and flooding. The average family of four will have contents of approximately €30,000 in value.

Paddy Compare works with a number of insurance companies to help you seek the best deal for your insurance. Simply complete the home insurance form and leave it to our specialist brokers to advise you on your requirements.

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